CBSE Class 12 Passing Marks - Check subject wise passing marks criteria

The CBSE class 12 passing marks 2026 for each subject are 33%, where you need to obtain a minimum of 26 marks out of a total of 80 marks. You must obtain 33% marks in theory and practical exams separately to pass an exam with a practical exam or an internal assessment. In terms of grades, you need to obtain a minimum of an 'E' grade to pass the CBSE class 12 examination. 

You can read more about the CBSE class 12 passing marks 2026 in the article below.

CBSE Class 12 Passing Marks 2026

Since you need to score 33% in each subject of the CBSE 12th board exam 2026 to pass the exam, multiplying the maximum marks by 0.33 will give you the required CBSE 12th board exam passing marks. Check the subject-wise CBSE Class 12 2026 passing marks mentioned below.

CBSE Class 12th Passing Marks for Science

Refer to the table below for the passing marks in CBSE class 12th for the Science stream. It contains both CBSE Class 12 Maths passing marks out of 80 and CBSE Class 12 Maths passing marks out of 70.

CBSE Class 12th Passing Marks for Commerce

The table below shows the CBSE 12th board exam passing marks for the Commerce stream.

CBSE Class 12th Passing Marks for Arts

Class 12 students who opted for the Arts stream must obtain the following CBSE 12th board exam passing marks: 

Also Check: How to Convert CBSE CGPA to Percentage?

CBSE Passing Marks in Class 12 for Other Subjects

Those failing to fulfil the passing marks criteria will have to appear for the CBSE class 12 compartment exam 2026. Check the CBSE passing marks for Class 12 for other subjects below.

• Geography and Biotechnology have a 70-mark theory paper.
• CBSE skill subjects like painting, sculpture, and computer applications are 30 marks for theory and thus follow the relevant criteria.
• A minimum of 33% is a must to pass the subjects.

Also Read: Calculate CBSE Class 12 Score Percentage

CBSE Class 12 Grading System 2026

You will be awarded grades in accordance with the marks achieved in the final CBSE class 12 exam 2026. The grading is done on a 9-point scale, ranking from A1 to E.  Check the CBSE Grading System 2026 to learn more about the grading criteria.

How Are Marks Calculated for CBSE Class 12?

The subjects in CBSE Class 12 involve a 70/30 or 80/20 split between theory and internal assessments. The paper is divided into theory (80 marks) and internal assessment (20 marks) for core subjects like English or Mathematics. However, the theory paper is 70 marks, and the remaining 30 marks are derived from practical exams in science-based subjects like Physics or Chemistry. You must secure at least 33% in both theory and practical/internal components to pass the CBSE class 12 exam. 

For example, if someone passes the internal assessment and does not obtain CBSE passing marks for Class 12 in the theory portion, they will be considered failed in that subject.

Tips to Obtain CBSE Class 12 Passing Marks

Here are some suggestions on how to not just obtain the passing marks, but ace the CBSE class 12 examinations:

• Read NCERT Textbooks Thoroughly: Check the official syllabus set by the CBSE, and read it properly to understand which topics are more important.

• Solve Sample Papers: Attempt atleast 5 to 10 previous year question papers in exam conditions (3 hours, no distractions). It will not only help you improve your writing speed and timing, but also boost your confidence on the exam day.

• Focus on Presentation: Use headings, bullet points, and neat diagrams to make your answer sheet presentable and easily readable for the examiner.

• Understand Marking Scheme: Check the CBSE class 12 marking scheme, as per the CBSE class 12 exam pattern, properly to understand mark allocation in different sections of the question paper.

• Prioritise High-Weightage Units: Check the latest CBSE class 12 syllabus 2025-26 for unit-wise weightage and master the important concepts (like Calculus in Math or Organic Chemistry) to score better marks.